Top 10 Places for Brunch in Clermont-Ferrand, France

Located within the Casino Partouche complex, the on-site restaurant serves up hearty, homemade dishes using fresh local produce. While some casino restaurants focus more on ambiance than quality, this one stands out for its delicious and affordable menu options.

We sampled several entrees during our visit, all of which were generous in portion size and very reasonably priced. The grilled chicken with roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables ($12) was tender and flavorful, with a light creamy sauce highlighting the fresh veggies. For a heartier option, the beef bourguignon ($14) came brimming with tender braised beef and mushrooms in a rich wine sauce, perfectly sopped up with bread.

Both mains were accompanied by a big serving of fries – which were a standout. Thinly cut and fried until super crispy on the outside but still fluffy within, they struck the perfect balance of crunchy and creamy. Hard to stop snacking on these fries!

For those watching calories or fat intake, the grilled fish of the day ($10) served with steamed vegetables made a lighter alternative. The fish was moist and non-greasy.

Overall this casino restaurant delivers good quality and value without the frills. The focus is rightly placed on fresh, home-cooked meals using quality ingredients. Low prices and generous portions make it a great budget-friendly dining option both for casino patrons and local residents. Definitely worth checking out next time you’re in the area.

2. L’Armoire à Cuillères

While the entrees at this casino restaurant are tasty and reasonably priced, it’s the dessert menu that really shines. Some of the best sweets I’ve ever had – they are not to be missed.

The cheesecake on offer was sublimely creamy and flavorful, with just the right texture that was creamy but not too dense or rich. It simply melted in the mouth. No doubt it’s the perfect ending to a meal.

Taking the chocolate gourmand selection was definitely the way to go if you want samples of their specialties. It came with slices of three different desserts – the cheesecake, a moist chocolate cake, and a decadent chocolate mousse – alongside a mug of silky hot chocolate. Each individual serving was quite generous and absolutely first-rate. The mousse had such a light, fluffy texture while still feeling indulgent.

All of the sweets were beautifully presented too. It was clear the kitchen took pride in their craft. At very reasonable prices, these desserts are an unbelievable value.

Even if you’re not eager to gamble in the casino, I’d highly recommend swinging by just for an afternoon coffee and one of their amazing cakes or tarts. The pastries alone make this a destination worth visiting time and time again. Dessert lovers, be sure to save room for these gems!

3. La Flèche D’Argent

After what felt like forever in lockdown, my partner and I were excited yet a bit nervous about our first night dining out. I’m so glad we chose this restaurant – it could not have been a better experience.

From the moment we arrived, we were warmly greeted by our head waiter who made sure to guide us through the COVID safety procedures with care, courtesy, and patience. He clearly took pride in providing exemplary service. Our sommelier was also extremely knowledgeable and helped us pick the perfect wines to complement our dishes.

The food itself was superb. I highly recommend the pork belly starter – so tender it melted in the mouth. The flavors were complex and rich but not at all heavy. My duck main was cooked to perfection, with crispy skin and juicy meat. We couldn’t resist sharing a chocolate torte for dessert too.

It was such a relief to enjoy a leisurely meal without worry, as all Covid requirements like distancing and sanitization were taken extremely seriously. I felt completely at ease.

Thank you to the talented chefs and excellent front-of-house staff who made our first night out after lockdown so delightful. The hospitality, care and quality of dishes made this the ideal choice. We’ll most definitely be back again soon!

4. Quetzal Cafe

My partner and I thoroughly enjoyed our stay at Nathalie’s charming farmhouse, Ferme Côté Tiretaine. From the moment we arrived, Nathalie welcomed us with her warm, thoughtful hospitality.

She had thought of every comfort in the guest room – it was spotlessly clean, tastefully decorated, and featured a large, well-appointed private bathroom. The room offered lovely views of the surrounding countryside.

But the true highlight was experiencing Nathalie’s cooking talents. Her homemade breakfasts were feasts for both the eyes and stomach, featuring a bounty of fresh-baked bread, locally sourced meats and cheeses, her own homemade jams and preserves, and of course, that incredibly rich goat’s yogurt that left speechless. We were sad to have missed out on Nathalie’s famous crepe dinner due to an extended hiking tour that day. It will give us extra motivation to return.

Set on a peaceful farm amid rolling green hills, Ferme Côté Tiretaine provided the perfect rural escape. Nathalie’s warm hospitality and gourmet country cooking made it a truly memorable getaway. We would highly recommend spending time here to experience the delightful French country life.

6. 589-BAY

Located in a charming countryside manor, this restaurant definitely wins points for ambiance and setting. Situated amidst lovely gardens, it provides a tranquil retreat for dining al fresco.

However, the cuisine did not fully live up to the price point in my opinion. While I appreciate the intent to source locally and utilize fresh ingredients, the dishes on offer lacked depth and creativity. The menu was limited, leaving one longing for additional gourmet choices to match the refined ambiance.

Some dishes suffered from overcooking or bland flavors. Overall the cooking did not achieve an elevated level for a restaurant of this caliber. Potential remains untapped to transform the dining experience into a true culinary indulgence.

That said, the attentive service and lovely grounds provide a nice experience. With a revised menu crafted by a talented chef, this restaurant could truly excel. As it stands, the beautiful setting somewhat overtakes mediocre food. With a focus on showcasing local ingredients through thoughtful preparations, it could become a true gastronomic destination.

7. Le Restaurant Novotel Cafe

This cafe provided the perfect place to stop in for drinks before dinner and breakfast the next morning. For drinks beforehand, the selection of wine, beer, and cocktails hit the spot as we awaited our dinner reservation nearby. Attentive servers kept our glasses topped up.

Breakfast truly shone – the spread offered an amazing array of options. From fresh pastries and bread to hot breakfast platters, yogurt, and fruit parfaits, there was something for every taste. The quality and variety surpassed many hotel buffets I’ve experienced.

Service at both meals was prompt and friendly. The indoor and sidewalk seating offers welcoming spaces to linger over food and drinks.

I appreciated being able to rely on this cafe to start and end our meals perfectly. The atmosphere, menu variety, and service make it a great choice whether stopping in alone or with a group. I’ll be back for sure on future trips to the neighborhood.

8. Brasserie Madeleine

With its spacious indoor and outdoor seating overlooking Clermont-Ferrand’s stunning cathedral, this cafe makes for a lovely spot for any meal. Service from the youthful staff was outstanding – friendly, and attentive but not overbearing. English was also spoken when needed.

The menu caters to all tastes, with plenty of appetizers, main dishes, and dessert choices including vegetarian/vegan options. Quality was consistently good across dishes tried.

Despite filling up for lunch and dinner, wait times were never long thanks to the sizable dining area. Reserving in advance ensures a table, or one can relax in the waiting lounge. Possibly the biggest highlight was value for money – it was possible to enjoy an excellent multi-course meal without breaking the bank.

With breathtaking views, excellent hospitality and food, plus reasonable prices, it’s no wonder this cafe is often fully booked. I’d highly recommend reserving ahead to soak in the lovely atmosphere and maximize your dining experience here.

9. Mellow Cakes by LAG

This coffee shop offers seriously good coffee alongside innovative, Instagram-worthy dishes. Their blue cheese, pear, and pecan salad was absolutely divine – unique flavors delivered in generous portions. The space has a refreshingly modern and diverse vibe uncommon in traditional French cafés. Light-filled with comfortable seating, it’s the perfect spot to linger.

The staff was wonderful – the owner and trainee Tom welcomed us (and our pup!) so warmly. Their passion and knowledge shine through. It was evident a lot of thought had gone into perfecting both their coffee and food program. Ingredients were clearly sourced with care.

A breath of fresh air in the neighborhood, this café is ideal for coworking, catching up with friends or simply enjoying high quality beverages and dishes alone. The ambiance and hospitality left a lasting impression – we will certainly return!

10. Le Magnetic Restaurant

We recently hosted an extended family gathering of around 20 people at this restaurant. From the start, they worked with us to ensure everything went smoothly.

The chef and catering manager were extremely helpful in providing double menu options for appetizers, mains, and desserts ahead of time. This allowed us to preselect as a group.

On the day, a team of servers led by Ibtissam, Célia, and Maëlle ensured flawless service with smiles. They attended to every need so our focus could be on enjoying delicious family time together. The quality and quantity of food was superb. The presentation was beautiful yet uncomplicated – letting the fresh, seasonal flavors shine through.

It was clear this venue has significant experience hosting larger parties and events. We felt completely cared for from start to finish. Thank you for helping make our family reunion so special. We will certainly be back to try your highly recommended brunch too. This is now our top pick for catering any celebration.